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EPISODE 2: ‘The Narcissistic Boss’
When narcissistic bosses dominate a team, they don’t just create bad management, they create long-term harm. Their need for control often leads to a culture of fear, confusion, and emotional instability. Teams stop collaborating. Innovation dries up. People walk on eggshells, burning out in silence. We unpack in episode 2: Narcissism At Work podcast.
BONUS EPISODE 1: Power, privilege and trauma bonds at work.
When inclusion is weaponised and boundaries are blurred, narcissistic abuse can thrive, especially when power dynamics are at play. In our first Listener Letter bonus episode, we hear from Maya, a young woman navigating a toxic boss, emotional manipulation, and career fear. Paired with expert insight from clinical psychologist Dr. Daksha Hirani, this episode offers validation, language and tools for recovery.
Part two: The Emotional Cost of Being Unsupported at Work
We’ve already explored what it means when workplaces stay silent during global crises but what about when they fail to provide even the most basic support for their employees? In our latest article, we dive into what happens when there's no acknowledgement, no psychological safety, and no real mental health care at work.
EPISODE 1: What Is Narcissism? How does it show up at work?
Our new podcast, Narcissism At Work, breaks the silence around toxic leadership, workplace gaslighting, and the emotional toll of chronic manipulation. This is for anyone who's ever left a job feeling confused, drained, or like they were the problem. Here’s what you can expect in episode 1.
When work ignores global crises
If your workplace is carrying on as if nothing is happening, you’re not alone. It’s hard to focus on ‘business as usual’ while witnessing so much violence and injustice. It’s okay to feel overwhelmed. But don’t look away. Here are some ways to stay grounded and take action.
Burnout is not the same as stress
Burnout isn’t just about being busy. It’s emotional exhaustion, chronic stress, and the slow erosion of hope, especially in toxic workplaces where narcissistic behaviours go unchecked.
Here we break down what burnout really is, how it differs from stress, and why it’s more than just a personal issue, it’s systemic.
Narcissism at work support
Dealing with Narcissistic Abuse at Work? If you're recovering from a toxic workplace, this post is for you. We’ve pulled together trusted resources from courses and helplines to expert books like It’s Not You by Dr. Ramani and The Body Keeps the Score. Click to explore the evolving list and start your healing journey.
Narcissism at Work: Our First Podcast
Welcome to AT WORK, the debut podcast from Other Box that unpacks the real, messy, and often ignored dynamics of modern workplaces. Season 1 focuses on Narcissism At Work, exposing the toxic traits hiding behind office doors and how to spot them before they sabotage your wellbeing, your team, or your career.
BELONGING Beyond the Job Titles
After years of building Other Box together, I finally had a long-overdue catch-up with my original co-founder, Roshni. We reflected on our journey from launching a bold idea in 2016 to navigating business, growth, and friendship. Here I explore the importance of pausing to honour our shared history, reconnecting beyond work roles, and what it means to lead with presence, gratitude, and care. A must-read for anyone building people-first cultures.
We can’t talk about ethical AI if we treat people in unethical ways
At the Indiaspora: Forum for Good, global leaders gathered to discuss responsible AI, climate resilience, investment and the future of innovation. But a quiet moment at a Hindu temple left a deeper mark on me than the conference. This reflection explores what it means to lead with values in a time obsessed with speed, scale, and disruption and why ethics, inclusion, and humanity can’t be afterthoughts in the age of AI.
*New workshop* Redefining Success, Balance + Self-Worth
After a decade of building a successful, award-winning business, I hit burnout and realised I didn’t know who I was without the work. This post explores the journey that followed, from therapy to redefining success, balance, and self-worth on my own terms and how I turned it into a new workshop! It all started the day everything changed personally and professionally.
A Week in the Life of other box
From launching a culture programme in Copenhagen to prepping a talk on burnout for South Asian creatives and then squeezing in a sold-out art exhibition…we’ve been busy at Other Box HQ. Founder Leyya reflects on a week of wearing many hats, staying intentional, and why slowing down might be the key to sustainable impact.
How to be an ally to the disabled community
The UK government is proposing the biggest cuts to disability benefits on record, slashing over £5 billion in support. These changes won’t just impact individuals, they will also have serious consequences for workplace inclusion. Find out what’s happening, why it matters, and how you can take action in less than 20 seconds.
9 Ways to Support Your Muslim Colleagues During Ramadan
Ramadan is a sacred month of fasting, prayer and reflection for Muslims worldwide. In the workplace, small acts of consideration can make a big impact. From offering flexible working hours to providing quiet spaces for prayer and acknowledging Eid, creating an inclusive environment helps employees feel valued and supported.
5 SIGNS IT'S TIME TO FIND A NEW JOB
A few weeks into 2025, and that nagging feeling about work still hasn’t gone away. Maybe it wasn’t burnout, maybe your role just isn’t working for you anymore and you’re looking for something different. If you find yourself going tick, tick, tick to these signs, it might be time to dust off that CV and start looking…
The supposed Wicked pay gap
Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande’s Wicked journey has been heartwarming, but unconfirmed reports of a $14 million pay gap spark questions about equity in Hollywood.
10 Ways to Navigate Work When Your Workplace Ignores Global Crises
We understand how hard it is to carry on with 'business as usual' amidst global devastation. The violence in Palestine, Lebanon, Sudan, and Congo, along with climate crisis disasters, are all linked to systemic injustices—from colonialism to environmental exploitation. Here are ten ways to manage these emotions and advocate for change.
Addressing the Abuse of Power in Fashion Retail
The fashion industry has long been plagued by systemic issues, including the abuse of power by male leaders. Despite increased awareness, true progress remains limited. In this post, I discuss my recent insights shared with Vogue Business on why the fashion industry needs a radical reset.
6 WAYS EMPLOYERS CAN SUPPORT MENTAL HEALTH IN THE WORKPLACE
In today’s fast-paced work environment, mental health is often an overlooked priority. But with poor mental health leading to decreased productivity, increased absenteeism, and higher turnover, it’s clear that businesses must do more than offer surface-level solutions. Our latest post dives into six ways employers can create a more inclusive, proactive approach to supporting their team's mental well-being.
What role does the creative industries play in advancing societal change and challenging systemic inequality?
After speaking on a panel about the role of creative industries in promoting societal change, I’ve had more thoughts. The challenges we face—racial tensions, budget cuts to the arts, cost-of-living crises, global atrocities, and even the devastating impact of fast fashion—are not isolated. They're interconnected.